Employment centre trains youth, helps them to earn

Some of the shoes made by members of a youth group in Kahatia market, Murang'a displayed for sale in their shop. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Leather works trainer Ransugu Muiruri said many youths have benefitted from the programme and are working on their own.

The trainer said the products are designed for school-going children, casual and official wear. The children's shoes go for Sh1,000 a pair compared to Sh2,200 in the retail shops. "Materials used in the shoemaking are transported from leather industries based in Njiru, Nairobi, and Kajiado," said Muiruri.

Munga said youth empowerment has helped bridge the unemployment gap.

The shoe-making concept, he noted, was initiated to help the youths venture into the business, as many of the traders were buying pairs at wholesale prices in Nairobi.

"Each youth training earns between Sh800 per day. Those working hard get above Sh1,200," said Munga. He anticipates increased profit when schools open.